Graining machine



March 3, 1942.

H. J. PATTISON GRAINING- MACHINE 1o Sheets-Sheet 1" Filed March 22. 1939 INVENTOR B 1/?197'16/5 I 72525022 March 3, "1942, H. J; FATTISON GRAINING MACHINE Filed March 22, 1939 INVENTOR 'HerZerZ 1 722 223012 BY I A TTORN Ks 1o Sheets-Shee 2 March 3, 1942. H. J. PATTISON GRAIINING MACHINE 1O Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 22, 1959 March- 1942. H. J. PATTISON 2,274,847

GRAINING' MACHINE 7 l0 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Mar ch 22, 1959 11v VENTOR A TTORNE March 3, 1942.

' Filed March 22, 1959' H. J. PATTISYON GRAINING momma:

IO Sheets-Sheet 5" A TTORNZ V March 3, 1942,

H. J. PATTISON GRAINING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 22, 1939 [NVENTUR By/f/e/Ze/Z A TTORi/VE MarqB 3, 1942.

H. J. PATTISON GRAINING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet '7 11v VENT-0R BY J. I Zflzsazz A TTORNE Y2 Filed March 22, 1959 H. J. PATTISON GRAINING MACHINE March 3, 1942;

10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed March 22, 1959 INVENTOR 1 Bye/Jeri J, 7552 12 ATTORNZS- k 1942. v H. J. 'PATTISON 2,274,347

GRAINING MACHINE F'iledMaroh 22, 1939 V 1o sheets sheet 9 11v VENTOR flfriarz J 22271501 ATTORNEY March 3, 1942. H. J. PVATTIS-ON GRAINING MAC HINE Filed March 22, 1959 10 Sheets-Sheet 1'0 A TTOR Y5.

INVENZOR Patented Mar. 3, 1942 ..GRAINING MACHINE Herbert J. PaLttisom-Detroit, Mich., -assign0r-t0 Briggs Manufacturing-Company;Detroit; Mich.

a. corporation of Michigan Application March 22, 19,39,'-Ser,ial -No.'2 i3, 497

(CL' 2'71l2) 16 Claims.

This invention relates. to grain-ing machines and a method for applying ornamental; patterns to the surfaces of flat articles such as metal plates, sheets or panels to be .used;-for :example,

as interior trim'or finish-in automobilebodies-by transferring to the sheets an, ornamental pattern simulating the appearance of a wood grain.

"One of the objects of the inventionis-toprovide a machine of the foregoing characterrwhich,

by virtue of its novel constructionand.arrangement of parts,-is capable of producing-a superior grade of grained 'workpiecesat a higher-rate of speed than has :been' possible with previous machines of this general nature.

Another objectpf the invention-is-vto :provide a machine having-automatically operated vacuum orsuction means for picking up and transferring successive work pieces from av stack .orpile to conveyor means which conveys-or supplies the "W0rk pieces to the graining'm'echanism:otthe "machine.

Another object is to providea machine having means arranged in cooperative vrelationto the conveyor means for accurately-positioning or aligning the successive work :pieces with relation to theconveyor-and graining mechanism.

A further object isto provideamachinehaving means located "within. the pressure roll and cooperable with the printing roll forengaging the advance edges-ct the successive plates -,or Work pieces to'ensuretheir properpositioning or alignment with relation-to the printing roll,.and.par-

ticularly with. relation. to the. pattern -orlimage on said roll. just: prior to theprinting. .or graining operation.

-Another objectoftheinvention is toprovide a machine having. a power .operated- -1ift.or.elevatin device for astack of metal plates or sheets for moving and maintaining. eachsuccessiveplate at the top of the stack in position-at a predetermined level or plane to be engaged by. the transfer means.

.Another object ofthe invention isto, provide electric motor. or other controlmeans for operating .the elevator or lift platform which is located inthe path of movementof the successive work pieces or plates removed. from .the top of the stack and engaged thereby to intermittently operate the motor to lift the stack. of plates a predetermined distance.

Another object of the inventionis to provide an improved graining machine in which the up ward movement of the liftand the travel of the conveyor means are synchronized to ensure the movement or travel of 'the'work pieces to the printing mechanism of the machinev in properly timed .relation .to the operation of said printing mechanism.

A further object of. the present. invention is to provide means located. abovethestack of work pieces or plates and adapted to be engaged by an edge or edges thereof for flexing. or cupping the plate being removed from thetop ,of thestack toensure the releasethereof from the next, sub

jacent and other plates'of thestack.

The above andother objects and. advantages of the invention will appear .irom the .following ..description andappended claims when consid- Lil .ered inconnection with. the accompanyingdrawings forming a part of this specification wherein likereference characters designate. corresponding partsinthe several views.

In said drawings: Fig. 1. is a perspective view. of the machine embodying the. present invention, looking. toward the leftfrontcornerthereof.

'Fig. 2 is..a perspective, view of. the ,machine, looking toward. the. right. rear cornervthereof.

.Eig. 3 .is aj longitudinal vertical section of the machine .taken' substantially along. the line .3-3

of Fig. 1,. looking toward the right ,7 in thedirection of the arrows.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view ofthe maohineofthe preceding f gures.

.Fig; 5 1s an enlarged fragmentary transverse ,vertical section taken substantially along. the line 5+5 .of Fig. 3,.looking in the directionv of the arrows.

Fig. 6' is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical section taken substantially along. the. line 66"0f Fig. 3, looking innthe.direction.ofthe arrows.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view, partly in elevation, showing the plateliftinggand shifting or transferring, mechanismin position above thestacl; of plates.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7, showing the plate lifting and shifting mechanism. in plate engaging position.

Fig.19 is an enlarged detail sectional view, partly in elevati0 ;.taken substantially. along, the staggered line 99 of Fig. 6, looking toward the right in the direction of the arrows.

, Fig. 10 is anenlarged horizontal sectiontaken substantially along the line Ill-l 0 of Fig. 3,1ooking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged .detail sectional view taken substantially along the line ll.l l. of. Fig. 10, looking, in the. directionof the .arrows.

' Fig; 12 is anxenlarged. fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, taken substantially along the line |2-l2 of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken through the pressure roll of the graining mechanism of the machine.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged elevational view, parts being broken away, taken substantially along the line l4|4 of Fig. 13, looking in the direction of the arrows; and

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a work piece, such as a grained metal plate or sheet produced by the machine.

Before explaining in detail the present invention it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, and it is not intended to limit the invention claimed herein beyond the requirements of the prior art. 1

Referring nowto the drawings, the base or supporting structure of the present machine, as shown, comprises a pair ofjspaced longitudinal channels HS which rest upon the floor. Mounted upon each of these channels and resting edgewise thereon is a metal bar l1. Aplatform I3 is mounted upon the bars and, as shown, is fastened thereto in any suitable manner, as by means of bolts. The platform 18 serves as a support for the plate or sheet elevator or lift and the mechanism for operating it, as will be explained below. Beyond the inner ends of each of the bars I! there is mounted upon the channel 13 a cast metal base member IQ of stepped formation. These members are identical at eachside of the machine. Mounted upon the platform 18 and each of the members I! is an upright support 20, one at each side of the supportingframe structure. Each of the supports 23 is provided with an enlarged base portion 2| to provide a greater supporting surface for the members 29.

There is shown as a whole at 22 the side frame members or upright standards for the printing mechanismof the machine, one being provided at each side of the machine. Each standard or unit 22 is provided with a rear leg 23 and a front leg 24, the leg 23 resting solidly upon the lower stepped portion of the metal base I9 and the leg 24 resting in like manner upon the higher stepped portion of the base. The legs 23 and 24, as shown, are reinforced and braced by substantially horizontally disposed brace members 25. Each of the front legs 24 is connected with an upright member by a horizontal brace member 26.

A pair of transversely spaced substantially horizontal side frame members 2'! is provided for the purpose of supporting the horizontally disposed conveyor mechanism of the machine, to be described hereinafter. Each frame member 21 is bolted at 21a to one of the standards 22, the front end of the member being bolted at 21b to one of the upright supports 20. At each side of the machine, a horizontally disposed frame member and guide 28 is provided which is connected at its rear end to the upright 20 by means of the bolt 21b and has its forward portion toward the entrance or front end of the machine supported by a diagonally disposed or upright brace member 29. This brace member 29 has its opposite ends secured to the frame member 28 and to the upright 20, respectively. The uprights 20 are connected together and braced by means of a horizontal transverse brace bar 35 which may be bolted at opposite ends to the uprights 29. A rod or shaft 3| also extends transversely of the machine between the uprights 20 and is secured thereto. A bar 32, similar to the bar 30, is provided for connecting the uprights 20 together adjacent their upper ends. In this connection, reference should be had to Figs. 1, 3 and 5.

The adjustable frame or guide for the work pieces An upright rectangular frame structure which, as shown, comprises four spaced upright angle bars is provided at the front end of the machine and serves as 'a combined guide and aligning means for a stack or pile of metal plates or sheets which are to be elevated into an accessible position by the lift platform of the elevating mechanism.- As best seen in Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 10, a pair of rear or inner transversely spaced upright angles 33 and 34 is provided which are adapted to cooperate with a pair of similar transversely spaced front upright angles 35 and 36. The rear angle bars 33 and 34 are supported at their upper ends by the horizontal bar 32 by means of brackets (not shown) carried by the rear faces of the angles. Referring especially to Figs. 5 and 10, it will be seen that the rear angle bars 33 and 34 are supported intermediate their upper and lower ends by brackets 31 which, as shown, are carried by the rod 3|. The angle bar 33 iscapable of being adjusted transversely of the machine relative to the bar 34.

The front angles 35 and 36 are supported adjacent their upper ends by means of a horizontally disposed frame structure which, as shown, comprises'metal bars 39 and 4!] extending transversely of the machine connected together in spaced relation at opposite ends by means of composite blocks 4|, 42, see particularly Fig. 1. Each of the blocks, as shown, has a superimposed cap piece or portion 4la, 42a, respectively, 'of angle formation provided with a pair of adjusting screws 43. The groove or guideway between the base or block and the horizontal portion of the cap piece is adapted to receive the forward portion of one of the side frame members or guides 28. Thus the frame structure 39, 40, etc., as a unit, may be adjusted horizontally along the supports and guides 28 to change or adjust the position of the front angle bars 35 and 36 relative to the corresponding rear angle bars 33 and 34.

The connecting means between the angle bar 35 and thebar 39 is, as shown, a block 44 which is attached to the angle and has a pair of slots 44a forming therein (see particularly Fig. 4. Adjusting screws 45 and 46 are provided which extend through the slots and into the frame member 39. Therefore, the top portion of the angle bar 35, as well as being capable of adjustment longitudinally of the machine toward and away from the rear angle 33, is also capable of being adjusted transversely of the machine relative to the frame member 39 toward and away from the opposite front angle 36. A block 41, Figs. 1 and 4, is secured to the front face of the angle 36 adjacent the top thereof and bolted or not rotate with the head otherwise secured to the frame member 39. The block: 41' as-shown, is fixed to the member- 39;

The lower ends of the upright angles 33 and are connected together by means of a longitudinal bar or member 48 slotted at its forward end at 49 to receive the shank of a two-part bolt and nut fastening and adjusting device 50 which has, as shown, a releasable round head or gripping'portion which may be unscrewed to loosen the connection. The bolt is held fast in a hole or opening formed in the angle 35 so that it canportion of the fastening device.

The lower ends of the angle bars 35 and 35 are adjustably connected together in a manner similar to the angle bars 33 and 35, by means of a horizontally disposed angle bar or member 5!.

The outer or front end of this horizontal bar is slotted to cooperate with a fastening device 52 which is similar to the device 50. A bracket, such as the L-shaped bracket 53 of Fig. 5, is provided to brace the angle member 5| which connects the upright angles 34 and 35' and to likewise steady or brace said angles. The outer end of the bracket 53, as shown, is attached by rivets to the horizontal leg or portion of the angle member 5!. The inner end of the bracket or brace member is bolted at 53a to the adjacent wall of a housing or enclosure forming a part of the plate elevating or lift mechanism to be described hereinafter.

The purpose of the spaced upright angle bars 33, 34, 35 and 35 is to provide, as stated above, a skeleton framework for engaging and guiding the corner edges of the metal sheets or plates constituting the stack or pile P resting upon the elevator or lift platform E, see Figs. 1 and 5. By providing for the relative adjustment in different directions of certain of the corner upright angle bars, stacks of plates or sheets of different sizes can be accommodated. Moreover, such adjustment will also take care of any variations or tolerances in the size of the plates or sheets in a single stack or pile.

From the above it will be understood that the inner left angle bar 33 may be adjusted bodily toward or away from the corresponding back angle bar 34 in a direction transverse of the machine. The front or outer angle bars 35 and 36. may be adjusted bodily toward and away from their corresponding back angle bars 33 and 3 3', respectively. The left front angle bar 35 is also permitted a range of adjustment toward or away from the corresponding front angle 36 in a direction transverse of the machine. With adjustments such as described it will be understood that theskeleton framework will readily accommodate itself to stacks or piles of plates or sheets of varyingsize and, dimensions;

As'best seen in Figs. 1, 2 andv 10, a reinforcing and strengthening gusset plate 54 is preferably bolted to. the rear edge of the platform 18 with its vertical edge abutting and, if desired, attached to the adjacent wall of the housing H to provide a brace for one side of said housing.

The stack elevator or lift and operating mechanism therefor therein. Mounted upon the cover 55 is a blocklike gear box 53 having intercommunicating pockets. or-recesses-59 and 60 formed therein. An internally threaded worm gear orwheel 6| is disposed within the recess 59' and a cooperating wo'rmtZ is located within the pocket or recess 60. The worm 52, is fixed to a horizontal shaft 64 which has'a bearing in spaced sleeves'or bushings 63, Figs. 5 and 10. The gear box 58 is provided with separate cover plates 65' and 66. A short sleeve or hub 53a extends forwardly beyond the side wall of the box and surrounds the reducedportion 64a of the shaft 64. The outer end of thehub is enlarged at 331) and provided with spacedteeth or lugs to form one part of a toothed clutch mechanism. The short sleeve 63!! has fixed to it, as by spot welding, a gear or sprocket 61, Fig. 10.

The lift platform or elevator proper is. shown as awhole at E. As shown, this platform comprises a central elevated or raised section 38 and two side lowersections 59, 69, connected together by upright pieces 58a. Mounted on each of the sections 59, preferably at the outer edge of each section, is a wood block iii. The top faces of the blocks are, as shown, in substantially the same plane as the top face or surface of the central section 53'. At front and back the platform sections 68, 69, 69 have attached thereto depending members or skirts H, see particularly Fig. 5. Attached to the underface of the section 68 is ametal plate or block 12 which is preferably held in place by cap screws or bolts 73 having countersunk heads. The platform E is supported by" means of an externally threaded feed screw M which extends through an opening in cap plate 55. and is threaded through the internally threaded socket of the worm gear 6!. Below the worm. gear the feed screw projects through. the opening 5'! and into the housing or framework H. The upper: endof the screw M has a plainv reduced shank portion or extension which i's'rotatably mounted in a socket formed. in the attaching or hearing plate 12. Thus, when the worm Wheel 6! is rotated in one direction by the worm 52, the screw will be projected upwardly from the gear box 58 to elevate the platform E. When the worm gear is rotated in the opposite direction the screw M will be retracted to lower said platform. As explained hereinafter, the platform E is moved upwardly by power operated means actuated, for example, by an electric motor, and is lowered by manual means.

Referring particularly to Fig. 10, the'worm gear shaft portion fi l-a extends outwardly beyond the fixed clutch element 63b and carries at its outer end a second fixed clutch element 15. A sprocket i6 is spot welded to this clutch element adjacent a locking ring or stop 11. A third shiftable clutch element 78 isimounted on the shaft portion 34a between the non-slidable elements 53b and 15 and is slidably' keyedto the shaft at 19. A clutch: fork 80 engages the body portion of the slidable clutch element 18. A depending pin 8! carried by the fork fits within a socket 83 formed in a bar or lever 82 for actuating the fork, see Fig. 11'. The lever 82 is provided with a' forwardly projecting operating handle 83. The clutch lever, as shown, is supported by a pair of attached blocks and 85, the block 85 being bolted at 8"! to the side wall 55 of the elevator housing H. The clutch lever 82 is mounted for oscillatory movement through the medium of the handle 83 by means of'a pivot pin 88 which extends through the lever and is -sooketed in the block 85; Thus, by moving the, handle in and out the intermediateslidable clutch element 18 may be engaged with either one or the other of the fixed clutch elements I5 and 9312.) As will be seen hereinafter, the sprocket 61 is interconnected with suitable electric motor driven gearing for elevating the platform, whereas the sprocket I6 is chain connected with suitable hand operated gearing for lowering the platform.

The power operated means for raising the platform E comprises, asshown, an electric motor 89 for driving suitable reduction gearing contained in a gear case 99, both being mounted as a unit upon the platform I8. The gearing drives a shaft 9|, see Fig. 3, which carries a gear or sprocket 92 held in place upon the shaft by a locking ring or collar 92a. A sprocket chain 93 provides the driving connection between the sprocket 92 and the sprocket 61 on the worm shaft sleeve 63a. Thus, when the motor 89 is driven and the clutch control handle 84 is actuated to interengage the clutch parts I8 and 63b,

the worm 62 and the worm gear 6| are rotated to project the elevator screw I9 and raise the platform E. The speed of movement of the platform in an upward direction is relatively slow due to the reduction gearing in the gear box 99.

The hand operated mechanism for lowering the platform E comprises a horizontal shaft 94 journalled in a bearing 95 on a bracket 95a supported by the gear case 99. The shafts inner end is journalled in a bearing 96 which, as shown, is mounted upon a wall 55 of the elevator housing, see Fig. 3. The shaft 94 has a crank disk 91 fixed to its outer end. A crank arm 98 is attached to the disk and carries an operating handle 99. The shaft 94 also has fixed to it adjacent the bearing 95, a gear or sprocket I99 of relatively large diameter. A sprocket chain I9I provides a driving connection between the sprocket I99 and the sprocket I6. By shifting the intermediate clutch element I8 to the right of Figs. 3 or 10 and into engagement with the clutch element I5 and then rotating the shaft 94 by its crank connection, the elevator screw I4 will be retracted or lowered to lower the platform E. This lowering operation occurs at a relatively high rate of speed due to the ratio of the gears or sprockets I99 and I6 and the eccentric mounting of the crank arm 98.

When the machine is in operation and as will be fully described hereinafter, the upward movement or travel of the lift platform E is intermittent and at a low rate of speed timed in accordance with the speed of operation of the mechanism for transferring the plates from the platform to conveyor mechanism which carries them to the printing mechanism. In other words, the upward travel of the elevator with its stack of metal plates is timed so as to position the topmost plate of the stack at the proper level or plane and at the time that the transfer mechanism is in a position to engage and lift it off the stack.

As the top plate is lifted off the stack P by the transfer mechanism about to be described, its front edge engages a movable contact member I93 of a switch mechanism housed within the switch box I92. The latter is supported above the cross frame member 39 by a bracket or support I94. So long as the plate i in engagement with the contact I93 the electric motor 89 Will be energized and the elevator actuating mechanism operated. This operation continues just long enough to move the stack upward the proper distance to place the new top plate of the stack, 1. e. the next subjacent plate therein, in the position.just vacated by the removed top plate. When the .top plate which is being removed releases the contact I93, the motor is-deenergized and the elevator stopped. The switch I92 and the motor 89 are electrically connected by a conduit or cable I95.

When a stack of plates has been exhausted it is desirable to reload the elevator or lift platform as quickly as possible so as to minimize the-idle period of the machine. For-this reason the above described manually operated platform lowering mechanism has been provided, this mechanism including high speed gearing permitting the easy and rapid lowering of the platform for reloading purposes.

The sheet transfer mechanism The transfer mechanism for lifting the successive plates from the top of the stack and placing them onto conveyors which carry them to the printing or graining mechanism, will now be described. The transfer mechanism in accordance with the present embodiment is best shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, '7, 8 and 12 and, as herein illustrated, includes vacuum or suction operated means, such as cups, mounted upon a carriage or frame work capable of being shifted from a position above the stack of plates P to a position overlying the entrance end of endless conveyor mechanism for carrying the sheets to the printing or graining unit or mechanism of the machine.

The carriage or movable frame portion of the plate transfer mechanism is supported at its front end for raising and lowering as well as longitudinal reciprocating movements by slide bars or members I99 which are adapted for vertical up and down movements within guide blocks I91. As clearly seen in Figs. 1 and 12, each of the blocks I9! is supported in upright position by the upper offset end portion 29a. of the up rights or standards 29 and by means of a bolt I98 which secures the block to the standard. Each slide member I96 is provided with an inwardly projecting stud or pin I99 which carries a sleeve and washer or disk IIIJ secured to the stud and to the slide by a nut II I. As best seen in Fig. 5 the stud or member I99 at the right side of the machine, looking from the front, is longer than the corresponding member at the left side thereof so as to allow a space or clearance for the drive gearing located at the right side of the machine.

The carriage or framework of the transfer mechanism comprises two similarly formed longitudinal bars or members H2 having enlarged portions at their forward ends toward the front of the machine which are provided with slots H3. The slots II3 extend rearwardly of the bars or members I I2 in substantially horizontal planes for approximately one-half the length of said bars, the inner or rear ends of the slots being curved upwardly and rearwardly at H4. The inner or rear terminal ends of the bars II2 are connected together in spaced relation by a transverse rod H5 upon which the bars are pivotally mounted. The sleeved pins or members I99 project through the slots H3 and thus the carriage members II2 may slide in a longitudinal direction relative to the members I99. The inner end of the frame or carriage is supported at opposite sides by upright bars or members II6 Whose upper ends are pivotally mounted upon the transverse rod H5. The lower ends of the bars are pivotally supported upon a transverse 7 operation.

rod or shaft I56 and intermediate their ends I III is oscillated by means of a crank disk IIB,

there being provided :an eccentrically'mounted pin carried by th disk which engages in a slot formed in the member I". The lower end'of the oscillatable member Ill and the bar II6 are connected by an adjustable link or rod H9 and a laterally projecting stud or the like I28, the latter being attached directly to the member H6. It will be understood'that similar connections and oscillating means may: be provided at each side of the machine so that both of the upright bars are operated simultaneously.

The carriage or framemembers II2 support a transverse horizontal shelf or member I 22 whichprovides means for supporting plateengaging'members which, asshown, comprise a pair of depending vacuum orsuctioncup de- Vices I23; As seen in Fig. 1,-- the carriage and I suction cupdevices are in their rearmostpositionand th'e cups areshown as supporting one of the-metal platesor sheets P in positionabove and prior to its release onto the endless-belts of the conveyor mechanism to be described:

In- Figs. '7 and-8-the-carriage comprising the longitudinal members H2 is-shown-in two'ofits forward positions with the vacuum orsuction cups being positioned abov thestack of metal plates or sheets.- In'Fig: 7 -the cups are in elevated position and in- Fig. 8 are-in lowered position with thecups in engagement with the top plate of the stack ready for the removal the position of Fig. 7 tothat of- Fig. 8 vacuum When the cupsare lowered from or suction applied so'that the cups grip the top plate adjacent its inner edge. As the mechanism functions to shift the slotted bars II-2 upwardly or toward the'rear of the machine-the upwardly curved portion Ht of the-slot-will ride over the member I09 and lift or elevate the cups. As the top plate is elevated by the cups, the inner side edges of the plate contact cam members or blocks 33a and 3411, see particularly Fig. 5, so as to buckle or upwardly bow the plate or sheet until it is freeof the-members 33w and 34a to insure its releasefrom the next subjacent plate of the stack; Further movement stantially the position in which these parts are shownin Fig. 3. At this point, thevacuum is broken by an automatically actuated release valve and the plate falls intoposition upon the endless I conveyor mechanism. By reasonzof providing.

the vertically reciprocable slide members I06. the vacuum cups are permitted to be raised and lowered relative to the'stack of plates.

The mechanism for controlling the vacuum or suction in the cups I23 is shown in Fig." 12which indicates the position of the 'parts as a plate is relas'ed by the vacuum cups and falls onto the endless conveyors. The lower end'of each of the slides I06 carries an outwardly projecting stud or bolt I2 to the outer end oi-which is attached a vertically extending rod I25. The rod projects upwardly through a hole formed in the flange IZBa of an angle bracket I26 which is attached.

s as shown; to the outer face of the standard 2t. Ax-coi-lrrspring. I21 fsurroundswthe I rodand finds a seat at itsrlower. endxupon the horizontal flange I26a; Aknurled adjusting nut I28 is applied to the upper screw-threaded .end of the rod I25- andhengages the upper end of thexspring so as to varyflthe 5 compression of said spring; A lock nut I'M/serves to :maintainthe knurled nut in position. Thus :far, the structure, includingthe parts I24 to I29 inclusive;isrsubstantially the At the sameeatz both sides. of; the machine. right :hand side of thermachine, referring par ticularlyrtoFig. l2,radditional elements are provided :for actuating a vacuum relief valve. As

- showmeach stud or .bolt .I24 carries a dog member I 30iwhich-ispivota1ly mounted at I3I upon 1311810111381 face :ofr-standardlll. and ,has a nose or:projecti'oni I*3Ila.'. A ,rotatable shaft or rod I 321'. extends transversely. 'of: the machine from sideato sider'andcarries-adjacent each end thereofiioutsidemhe standards-10, a cam member 133 havingaa peripheral-:projection: or: nose I 33a.

The shafttl32 is-driven by a chain I32a located at.1the left hand .side of; the -machine through 1 sprocketstItZband I 32c, the latter'sprocket bedog member I30in: aidownward direction against the action of the .springfIZ'I. At the right hand sidei'of .the machine there is located the vacuum release valve shown as a whole at I34, Fig. 12. This valveis'inrcommunication with the vacuum pump I35, see Figs. 3and-12,-by means ofia conduit oripipe I36. The-vacuum valve is also in communication with the vacuum cup devices I23 by means:of:conduits.or flexible tubing I31, see Figs..1,-.3,and .4. The vvalvechamber'I3 l'is provideddwith a disk valve z I38icarried byJ-a. valve lever I39'which is ,pivotally mounted at Mt upon the casing. The leveraextends beyond the valve disk in: the directionof the rear end of the machine andhas aniinclinedunderface or surface MI atnits :-free end. A substantially L-shaped clog member .I 42 .is pivotally mounted-at, I43 upon the standardZO adjacentthe nose orend portion HII ofithe'valveleveranda is connected by meansiof an adjustable. screw threaded rod or link I44 to a short operating lever I 35 which is rotatably 'mounted upon the transverse shaft I32. An actuating rod I46 has one :end-pivotally break the vacuum in the vacuum cup lines and,

of course, in the vacuum cups, As the cam I33 is rotated in a clockwise direction as indicated by'thearrow in Fig; 12, the nose I 330. of this' cam will periodically engage the nose I300; of the dog member :I30. During such engagement, see the .broken line-position'of the parts in Fig. 12, the dog I30 is'moved in a counterclockwise directionzabout"its-pivot?I3I"to draw the rod I25 down against the action of the spring I21 and at the same time to move the slide I06 downwardly. The operation is so timed or synchronized that when the nose I33a of the cam is in engagement with the nose I30a of the dog member I30, the dog I42 is out of engagement with the valve lever I39 and thus the valve remains closed while the vacuum line and cups are subjected to vacuum or suction from the pump I35. As seen in Fig. 3, the vacuum pump is driven by a motor I46 through a belt or chain I49. A vacuum device or chamber I50 is interposed in the line between the vacuum pump I35 and the vacuum valve chamber or casing I34. When the parts are in the full line positions of Fig. 12, that is with the member I30 out of engagement with the nose I33a of the cam I33, the vacuum line and the vacuum cups are relieved of vacuum due to the unseated or elevated position ofthe vacuum valve I38. When, however, the parts I33 and I30 assume their broken line positions of Fig. 12 the vacuum lines and the cups are subjected to vacuum, in which position the dog I42 has been moved downwardly and is out of engagement with the valve lever I39, with the valve I30 seated or closed.

Certain of the drive mechanism for the machine is located in the space between the right hand frame member or standard 20 and the adjacent vertical angle bar 34, see Fig. 5. As shown, a transverse shaft II extends through the machine and carries adjacent its right end a pinion gear I52. Mounted on the shaft I5I and located inwardly or toward the left from the gear is a sprocket I53 over which a sprocket chain I54 runs and is connected to a sprocket I55 mounted upon a transverse shaft I56 located above the base member I9, see Fig. 3. The shaft I56 also carries a smaller sprocket I560, which is connected by a sprocket chain I58 to a gear or sprocket I561) mounted on the shaft I32d adjacent the top of the machine. The gear I56!) and the shaft I32d are driven by means of a small pinion I560 with which the gear I56b meshes. The pinion I56c is driven by a gear train forming a part of the printing or graining mechanism of the machine and including a shaft I56d carrying a sprocket I56e connected by chain I56j to a pulley I99. As best seen in Fig. 3, from shaft I56 the drive is through the large sprocket I55, chain I54 and sprocket I53 to the shaft I5I.

The transfer mechanism is designed to engage and remove the top plate of the stack and to transfer it from its elevated position above the stack to the conveyor without allowing any portion of the plate being transferred to come in contact with the next subjacent plate of the stack. By thus lifting the top plate entirely above the stack before carrying in a forward direction toward the conveyor mechanism, any possibility of scratching or marring one plate by another plate is prevented. A very strong vacuum is present in the vacuum devices I23 and it is practically impossible to remove a plate from the vacuum devices without first breaking the vacuum.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 4 and 5, there is shown, as a whole at 250, means for subjecting the successive top plates of the stack P to a blast or blasts of air just prior to their transference to the conveyor which feeds them to the graining mechanism of the machine. As shown, the member 250 is in the form of a drilled and orificed block attached to the cross bar 32 and is provided with two outlet ducts or orifices 25I, 25I which connect with passages 252 of V-formation leading from an air pipe or conduit 253 and an elbow, coupling or fitting 254. The discharge ducts or orifices 25I, as shown, discharge blasts of air toward the plate being removed in the plane or substantially the same plane as that of the lugs or members-33a, 34a, which engage and fiex the successive top plates being removed. The air blast or blasts may be useful to assist in breaking any suction or vacuum which exists between the topmost plate of the stack and the next subjacent plate thereof, and/or to remove any dust or other loose foreign matter which it might be desirable to remove from the'plate being transferred from the stack to the conveyor prior to the graining operation. Compressed air from any convenient source is supplied to the pipe or conduit 253 by attaching, for example, an air hose to the valve casing 255, see Fig. 1.

The conveyor mechanism The conveyor mechanism which receives the metal plates or sheets from the transfer mechanism comprises, as shown, a plurality of transverse rolls I60, five such being shown in the present embodiment. These rolls are rotatably joumalled at opposite ends in the longitudinal side frame members 21, see Fig. 4. A plurality of transversely spaced endless belts or bands IBI travel over the rolls I60 and are adapted to be driven in any suitable manner as, for example, by providing a driving connection for the roll nearest to the front end of the machine. A pair of pressure rolls I62 is provided to cooperate with the belts and with two of the rolls I60, see Figs. 3 and 4, these rolls being mounted upon levers I63 which are urged downwardly by tension springs I64. The levers are pivotally mounted in the side frame members 21. Thus the pressure rolls cooperating with the rolls over which the belts travel serve to maintain the work pieces flatwise during their travel with the conveyor belts.

For the purpose of maintaining the metal plates P in alignment and to insure their travel in a straight line path on the conveyor belts, there is provided at the right hand side of the machine a longitudinally extending guide member I65. The front end of the member I65 is preferably attached to the vertical angle 34 and it is supported at other points from the frame member 21 by means of spaced studs or bolts I66, see Fig; 4. At the opposite side of the machine, namely the left side thereof looking from the front end of the machine in Fig. 1, a similar guide I6! is provided. This guide is supported from the side frame member 21 by means of horizontal rods I68 which extend through holes in the frame 21. The guide I6'I is also connected at its front end to the adjustable upright angle 33. The guide I6! is adjustable transversely of the machine toward and away from the guide I65 and is capable of being held in any adjusted position by means of screws or bolts I69. Thus it will be seen that if it' is desirable to adjust the stack guides or frame members 33 and 35 transversely of the machine the guide I61 may also be adjusted so as to compensate for any change in the position of the members 33 and 35. Therefore, it will be understood that the relative adjustment of the guides I05 and I6! permits their use with plates or sheets of varying widths in a direction transverse of the machine.

Plate stops and aligning devices It is desirable to maintain'the metal plates in predetermined positions during their travel through the machine and particularly to have them in proper alignment prior to their coming in contact with'the graining or printing cylinder or device. For this purpose there is provided positive means which is cam operated in predetermined timed relation with the movement of the conveyor mechanism and the operation of the graining mechanism to momentarily check the movement of each sheet and insure its proper alignment prior to its engagement with the graining cylinder. As shown, there are provided two or more pivotally mounted oscillatable hook-like members or stops shown as a whole at I'I'Il which are located between the belts IBI and when in operative position have their free end portions I'II projecting upwardly slightly above the top courses of the belts. Each of the stop devices is, as shown, mounted upon a common transverse shaft I12 and has a depending portion or leg H3 carrying a roller Il. The roller is adapted to be held in contact with a cam I by means of a tension spring II6.- The cam is mounted upon a transverse rotatable shaft Ill. The shaft carries a series of cams one for cooperation with each of the hook members or stops I I8. As the cams are rotated the hooked ends III of the stop devices are either projected upwardly or retracted in timed relation to engage or release the forward edge of one of the plates. In Figs. 8 and 9 the hooks are shown in operative relation engaging the adjacent edge of a work piece or plate P. In Fig. 7, however, the hook member I'IlI hasbeen retracted to its lower position permitting the belts IBI to carry the released plate P toward the graining mechanism. A plurality of pressure devices, three being shown and indicated generally at I'I8, are mounted upon a transverse supporting bar or cross frame member I19. Each ofthese pressure devices carries at its lower end a contact roller I88 which, as shown, is adapted to engage the top face of the plates as they are moved by the conveyor belts. The pressure de- Vices in cooperation with the hook members or stops I18 maintain the plates in the proper position for passage to the graining cylinders or rolls; The pressure devices are independently adjustable transversely of the machine along the supporting member I19. Thus they can be moved to any desired position. As best seen in Fig. 6 the transverse bar I18 is supported above the endless conveyor mechanism by bars or brackets II9a which are mounted upon the longitudinal frame members 2?. As seen also in this figure the pressure devices I78 are vertically adjustable relative to the belts I6! by means of adjusting screws I'I'8a.

The graining mechanism The graining mechanism herein shown is generally of conventional form with the exception of the pressureroll per se. There is provided the conventional series of small and large ink distributing rolls shown as a whole at I8I which receive ink from the trough I82 and apply it to the surface of the transfer roll I83 which in turn transfers the ink to the image containing band or cover for the printing roll I84.

As best seen in Figs. 3, 13 and 14, the pressure roll of the present invention is shown as a whole at I85. This roll, as seen, has a portion of its ends of 'a transverse shaft I88.

periphery removed at I88, theadjacent'peripheral portions of the roll being flanged inwardly at I 81. The end walls of the drum or roll I provide bearings or supports for the opposite Mounted upon this shaft and oscillatable thereupon is a plate positioning and aligning bar or stop member I89 which is attached to hub-like members I88 located adjacent opposite ends of the shaft I88 and oscillatable upon the shaft. These hub-like members or brackets are provided with stop screws I8I which are adapted to engage the adjacent flange I81 of the roll when the members I98 and I89'are rocked about the shaft in a counterclockwise direction. Each hub portion I9!) is also provided with an inwardly projecting plate or member I92 to the free end of which a I coil spring I93 is attached. The opposite end of the coil spring is attached at I94 to the drum. Thesetension springs I93 tend to maintain the bar or member I89 normally in its projected position as seen in Fig. 13. It remains in this position until the pressure roll I85 has rotated sufficiently in a counterclockwise direction to cause ;the bar I89 to contact the periphery of the adjacent printing roll I84 which contact rotates said bar inv a clockwise direction about the shaft I88 so that it assumes its retracted position as shown in Fig. 3 as long as it is in engagement with the periphery of the printing roll. "As soon asthe bar is free from contact with the printing roll, the spring or springs I83 again project it through the opening I88. After a plate P has been released by the stop members I'iiLiFigs. 7,8 and 9, and is moved by the conveyor belts toward tire surfaceof the plate will have the graining transferred from the printing roll to it, thus eliminating any possibilityof blank or unprinted portions on the surface. It will be understood that the bar acts as a stop only momentarily and further rotation in a clockwise direction of the pressure roll will depress'the gauge bar and permit the plate to be carried through the rolls to effect the graining or'printing thereof. After the plate issues from the bite of the rolls I88 and I85 it is moved onto a conventional endless conveyor I95 by which it is carried onto a second or auxiliary endless conveyor I96.- To'prevent any possibility of the plate tilting upwardly and jamming or having its movement retarded, or its surface graining marred, there is provided a guide roll I 97 located above the conveyor I85 and in the space below the contacting surfaces of the rolls I83 and I84.

Conventional drive mechanism is provided for the conveyor belts and for the transfer, printing and pressure rolls, as well as for the conveyors I95 and I98. The multi-stage pulley mechanism shown generallyat I 98 and I 88 and interconnected by a driving belt or chain 288 is provided for varying the speed of operation of certain parts of the machine. An electric motor 28I serves as a source of power for driving the pulley mechanism, the motor being connected in driving relation with the lower pulley I 98 :by a drive beltor chain 282. The particular driving means and connections'for driving the rolls of the graining mechanism may be of any conventional type suitable for the purpose. It will be understood, however, that all of the drive mechanism for the different units of the present machine operate in timed relation to one another and are synchronized so that there is a substantially continuous movement of the work pieces through the machine and to, through and away from the graining mechanism thereof.

In Fig. 15 there is shown a perspective view of a finished work piece such as a metal plate or sheet P with one design or graining applied to a surface thereof. This finished Work piece serves to illustrate the point referred to above which is accomplished by the gauge member or stop I89 and that is to properly align and position each of the work pieces P with relation to the printing roll so that the entire top face or surface of the work piece is covered by the design carried on the printing roll.

I claim:

1. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets, or the like, including graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive plates delivered thereto to apply graining to one of the faces, in which the machine also includes means for supporting and elevating a plurality of stacked plates into position to be transferred to the graining mechanism; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for supplying the plates in successive order to said graining mechanism, vacuum,means movable into engagement with the successive plates for transferring them onto said conveyor, stop members associated with the conveyor and movable into the path of travel of the plates to momentarily arrest their movement toward the graining mechanism, and means adapted to contact the plates for aligning the same prior to their engagement with the graining mechanism of the machine.

2. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates,sheets, or the like, including graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive plates delivered thereto to apply graining to one of the faces, in which the machine also includes means for supporting and elevating a plurality of stacked plates into position to be transferred to the graining mechanism; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for supplying the plates in successive order to said graining mechanism, vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive plates for transferring them onto said conveyor, stop members associated with the conveyor and movable into the path of travel of the plates to momentarily arrest their movement toward the graining mechanism, and a movable stop member adapted to contact the lead edges of the plates for aligning the same immediately prior to their passage through the graining mechanism of the machine.

3. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets, or the like, including graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive plates delivered thereto to apply graining to one of the faces, in which said mechanism comprises transfer, printing and pressure rolls, and in which the machine also includes means located at the front end thereof for supporting and elevating a plurality of stacked plates into position to be transferred to the graining mechanism; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for supplying the plates in successive order to said graining mechanism, and vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive plates at the top of the stack for transferring them onto said conveyor, said machine including separate conveyor means located at its rear end for removing the grained plates.

4.111 a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets, or the like, including graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive plates delivered thereto to apply graining to one of the faces, in which said mechanism comprises transfer, printing and pressure rolls, the pressure roll having a longitudinal opening in its periphery and also including an oscillatable stop member extending between the ends of the pressure roll and adapted to be projected through said roll opening into position to be engaged by the successive plates to align the same immediately prior to their engagement by the printing, pressure and transfer rolls, said machine also including means for supporting and elevating a plurality of stacked plates into position to be transferred to the graining mechanism; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for supplying the plates in successive order to said graining mechanism, vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive plates for transferring them onto said conveyor, said machine including an endless conveyor for supporting and moving the plates beyond said rolls, and meansassociated with said conveyor to prevent tilting of the plates during their movement.

5. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets, or the like, including graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive sheets delivered thereto to apply graining to one of the faces,

, in which the machine also includes lift mechanism for elevating a plurality of stacked plates into position to be transferred to the graining mechanism, power means for elevating the lift and plate stack and means engageable by the plates during their transfer from the stack to a conveyor for periodically operating the power mechanism to elevate the lift to position and maintain the succeeding top plates of the stack 'at a predetermined level; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for feeding the plates in successive order to said graining mechanism, automatically controlled vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive plates at the top of the stack for transferring the plates successively onto said conveyor, and valve means automatically operable at predetermined times to break the vacuum and release a plate onto said conveyor.

6. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets, or the like, including graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive sheets delivered thereto to apply graining to one of the faces,

in which the machine also includes lift mechacomprising a conveyor for feeding the plates in successive order to said graining mechanism, automatically controlled vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive plates at the top of the stack for transferring the plates successively ;onto said conveyor, valve means automatically operable at predetermined times to break the vacuum and release a plate onto said conveyor, and automatically operated means associated with the conveyor and adapted to contact the successive plates for aligning the same prior to their engagement with the graining mechanism.

'7. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces'such as plates, sheets, or the like, in-

cluding graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive sheets delivered thereto to apply graining to one of the faces and including transfer, printing and pressure rolls and a movable stop carried by the pressure roll for engagement with the lead edges of successive plates for aligning the plates with relation to the rolls immediately preceding their en,- gagement by the printing roll, in which the machine also includes lift mechanism for elevating a plurality of stacked plates into position to be transferred to the graining mechanism, power means for elevating the lift and plate stack and means engageable by the plates during their transfer from the stack to a conveyor for periodically operating the'power mechanism to elevate the lift and position the top plate of the stack at a predetermined level; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for feeding the plates in successive order to said vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive plates at the top of the stack for transferring the plates successively onto said conveyor, valve means automatically operable at predetermined times to break the vacuum and release a plate onto said conveyor, and automatically operated means associated with the conveyor and adapted to contact the successive plates for aligning the same prior to their engagement with the graining mechanism.

8. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets, or the like, including graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive plates delivered theretoto apply graining to one of therfaces, in which said mechanism comprises transfer, printing and pressure rolls, the pressure roll having a longitudinal opening in its periphery and a movable stop member carried by the pressure roll and adapted to be projected through said roll opening into position to be engaged by the successive plates to align the same immediately prior to their engagement by the printing and pressure rolls, in which the machine also includes means for supporting and elevating a plurality of stacked plates into position to be transferred to the graining mechanism; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for supplying the plates in successive order to said graining mechanism, stop members associated with the conveyor and movable into the path of travel of the plates to align the plates and momentarily arrest their movement toward the graining mechanism, and suction cups movable into engagement with the successive plates at the top of the stackfor transi ferring them onto said conveyor.

9. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets, or the like, in-

. $85, graining mechanism, automatically controlled eluding graining mechanism adapted to con,- tact opposite faces of successive plates delivered thereto to apply graining to one of the'face'siin which said mechanism comprises transfer,

printing and pressure rolls, the pressure roll having a longitudinal opening in its periphery and a member carried by the pressure roll and adapted to be projected through said roll opening'into position to be engaged by the successive plates to align the same immediatelyiprior'to' 7 their engagement by the printing and pressure rolls,- and in which the machine also includes means for supporting and elevating a plurality of stacked, plates into position.- to be transferred to the graining mechanism; feeding for the plates comprising a conveyor for supplying the plates infsuccessive order to said graining mechanism, stop; members associated withthe conveyor and movable into thepath of travel of the plates to align the plates and momentarily arrest their movement toward *the graining mechanism, and vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive plates fortrans ferring them onto said conveyor, said machine including endless conveyor means for removing the grained plates from the machine. I

1,0. In a machine for applying graining to metal, surfaces such as plates, sheets, or thelike; including, graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of, successive plates delivered theretoto apply graining to one of the faces',' in which said mechanism comprises transfer,

printing and pressure rolls, thep ress'ure roll havin'g a longitudinal opemng, in its periphery and an ,oscillatable stop member extending be;

tween the ends of the pressure roll and adapted to be projected through said roll opening into positio'nto be engaged by the'successive plates to align the same immediatelyprior to their engagement by the printing and pressure rolls,

and'in which the'machine also includes means for supporting and elevating a plurality of stacked plates intoposition tov be transferred to the graining mechanism; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for supplying the plates in successive order to said grainingv mechanism, stop members associated with the conveyor and movable into thepath of travel of the plates to align the plates and momentarily arrest their movement toward the graining mechanism, vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive platesfor transferring them sontosaid conveyor, said machine including an endless conveyor running belowthe'transfer roll for supporting andmov ng the plates beyond said rolls, and means as sociated with said conveyor to prevent tilting of 'the plates during theirmovement.

11. In'a machinefor, applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets; or the like, includinggraining' mechanism adapted, to contact opposite faces of successive plates deliveredthereto to apply grainingto one of the faces, in which said mechanism comprises'trans fer, printing and pressure-rolls, the pressure.

roll having a longitudinal opening'in its periphery and a movable stop member carried by the pressure roll and adapted to be projected throu h said roll opening into. position to be en: gaged by the successive plates to align the same immediately prior to their engagement by the printing and pressure rolls, and in which the machine also includes means for supporting and elevating a plurality of stacked, plates into posi tion to be transferred to the graining mechaapparatus into engagement with the successive plates at the top of the stack for transferring them onto said conveyor.

12;"In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets, or the like, including graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive sheets delivered thereto to apply graining to .one of the faces, in which the machine also includes lift -mechanismfor elevating a, plurality of stacked plates into position to be transferred to the graining mechanism, power means for elevating the lift and plate stack, and means engageable by the plates during their transfer from the stack to a conveyor for periodically operating the power mechanism to elevate thelift to position and maintain the succeeding to'p plates of the stack at a predetermined-level, and in which themachine includes'manually operable means for-lowering the lift when the stack of plates is'depleted; feeding apparatus for the plates compris ing a conveyor for feeding the plates in successive order to said graining'mechanism, automatically controlled vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive plates at the top of the stack for transferring the plates successively onto said conveyor, and valve means automatically operable at predetermined times to break the vacuum and release a plate onto said conveyor.

" 13. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets, or the'like, comprising graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive sheets delivered thereto to apply graining to one of the faces, in which the machinealso includes lift mechanism for elevating a plurality of stacked plates into position to be transferred to the graining mechae nism, power means for elevating the lift and plate stack, and means engageable by the plates during their transfer from'the stack to a conveyorfor periodically operating the power mechanism to elevate the lift to position and maintain the succeeding top plates of the stack at a predetermined level; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for feeding the plates in successive order to said graining mechanism, automatically controlled vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive plates at the top of the stack for transferring the plates successively onto said conyeyor, means located above the, top plate of the stack for engaging the side edges of the plate being removed therefrom to flex the same and thereby ensure its release from the next plate subjacent thereof, and valve means automatically operable at predetermined timesto break the vacuum and release a plate onto said conveyor.

14. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces .such as plates, sheets, or the like, including graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive plates de-, livered thereto to apply graining to at least one of the faces, in which the graining mechanism includes movable stop means for successive plates and in which the machine also includes means machine.

for supporting and elevating a plurality of stacked plates into position to be transferred to the'graining mechanism; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for supplying the plates in successive order to said graining mechanism, vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive plates for transferring them onto said conveyor, means for directing-a blastof air onto the plates removed from'the top of the stack, and stop members associated with the conveyor and movable into the path of travel of the plates to momentarily arrest their movement toward the graining mechanism.

15. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets, or the like, including graining mechanism adapted to contact opposite faces of successive plates delivered thereto to apply graining to one of the faces, said mechanism comprising transfer, printing and pressure rolls, the pressure roll having a longitudinal opening in its periphery, in which the mechanism also includes means for supporting and elevating a plurality of stacked plates into position to, b transferred to the graining mechanism; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for supplying the plates in successive order to said graining mechanism, vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive plates for transferring them onto said conveyor, and means for directing a plurality of air blasts onto the plates as they are removed from the stack, said machine including an endless conveyor for supporting and moving the plates beyond said rolls, and also including means associated with said conveyor to prevent tilting of the plates during their move-1 ment.

16. In a machine for applying graining to metal surfaces such as plates, sheets, or thelike,

including graining mechanism adapted to' con:

0 tact opposite faces of successive sheets delivered thereto to apply graining to one of the faces and transfer, printing and pressure rolls and a move able stop carried by the pressure roll for engagement with the lead edges of successive plates for aligning the plates with relation to the rolls immediately preceding theirv engagement by 'tlie' printing roll, in which the machine also includes lift mechanism for elevating a plurality of stacked plates into position to be transferred to the graining mechanism, power means for fele-. vating the lift and plate stack, and means'ene gageable by the plates during their transfer-from the stack to a conveyor for periodically operatingthe power mechanism to elevate the lift and posi-f tion the-top plate of the stack at a predeter mined level; feeding apparatus for the plates comprising a conveyor for feeding the'platesin' successive order to said graining mechanism,

automatically controlled vacuum means movable into engagement with the successive platesat the top of the stack for transferring the platesis'uccessively onto said conveyor, means for directin a blast of air onto the plates removedfromthe top of .the stack, valve means automatically operable at predetermined times to break the vacuum and release a plate onto said conveyor, and automatically operated means associated with." the ,conveyorand adaptedto contact the successive plates for aligning the same prior to their eii-' gagement with the graining mechanism ofthe HERBERT J. Parr sonf 

